“We are delighted to be contributing to the electrification of India’s rail network with ABB’s locally-manufactured solutions,” said ABB CEO, Ulrich Spiesshofer. “By adopting advanced technologies, India is achieving rapid improvements in growth and productivity; shaping its economy for the era of digitalisation.”

The traction equipment currently drives more than 250 electric locomotives operated by Indian Railways in both passenger and freight services. In India, more than 20 per cent of three-phase electric locomotives are equipped with traction converters from ABB.

“We are privileged to work with Indian Railways on the electrification of the domestic rail network in India – the fourth largest rail network in the world,” said Sanjeev Sharma, Managing Director, ABB India. “This order will help to improve rail efficiency, so that passengers travelling in India will reach their destination on time and in comfort.”

In 2018, the Indian government approved plans to fully electrify the railways by 2022.